Top January Transfer Targets for Premier League Clubs
Europe’s elite are already moving pieces for January, and the next wave of talent is firmly in their sights.
Liverpool scout AZ starlet Kees Smit
Liverpool sent scouts to watch highly rated Netherlands midfielder Kees Smit as AZ Alkmaar faced Sunderland in the Europa League this week. The 20-year-old, valued at around £51.5m, is drawing a crowd.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa are all tracking Smit as well, with the youngster rapidly emerging as one of the most coveted midfielders of his age group.
Manchester United eye Branthwaite
Manchester United are keeping a close watch on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The 24-year-old England international, a rare left-sided centre-back with Premier League experience, is under monitoring as United weigh up future defensive reinforcements.
Spurs push ahead for Arthur Dias
Tottenham are at the front of the queue for Brazil defender Arthur Dias. The 19-year-old Athletico Paranaense prospect is valued at around 30m euros and has attracted interest from Newcastle United, Nottingham Forest and Brentford, who are all monitoring his progress.
Spurs, though, currently lead the race.
Balogun set for Monaco exit
Monaco have confirmed they plan to sell United States striker Folarin Balogun in January. The 25-year-old had a late chance to join Everton on deadline day but changed his mind, and the Ligue 1 club are now preparing to move him on in the winter window.
Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong draws attention
Across Europe, clubs are watching the situation of 20-year-old English defender Josh Acheampong at Chelsea. The youngster’s pathway and minutes are under scrutiny, and several sides are ready to act if an opening appears.
Lamine Camara on Premier League radar
Monaco have admitted that a deal for 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara could be possible in January. The Senegal international is on the lists of both Liverpool and Chelsea, who are weighing up moves as they refresh their midfield options.
Real Madrid target Abdellah Ouazane
Real Madrid are prepared to go all out to sign 17-year-old Morocco midfield talent Abdellah Ouazane from Ajax. The teenager has quickly built a reputation as one of the most exciting young midfielders in Europe, and Madrid want to move early.
Newcastle return for Bo Hegland
Newcastle United are ready to revive their interest in Djurgarden midfielder Bo Hegland. The 22-year-old Norway international turned down a move in the summer, but Newcastle are set to come back to the table as they look to deepen their midfield.
Arsenal, Brighton and Villa track Luca Weinhandl
Sturm Graz midfielder Luca Weinhandl is another teenager in demand. The 17-year-old Austrian, valued at around £20m, is being monitored by Arsenal, Brighton and Aston Villa, with all three clubs investing heavily in youth with resale value.
Tottenham weigh Mauro Icardi move
Tottenham are also considering a move for free agent Mauro Icardi after his departure from Galatasaray. The 33-year-old striker cannot be registered until January, but Spurs are assessing whether his experience and penalty-box instincts fit their plans.
Nmecha on City and Liverpool lists
Manchester City and Liverpool are both keen on Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha. The 25-year-old Borussia Dortmund player is expected to command a fee in the region of 80-90m euros, a price that underlines how fierce the fight for top-tier midfielders has become.
January is still weeks away, but the scramble has already started. Who blinks first?
